Skip to main content

Part 61 A, B: General

Additional Training Requirements (61.31)​

  • Pilots who already hold a certificate, but want to fly another category or class can either get a certificate for that category, or receive training and an endorsement from an instructor
    • Note this doesn't have an expiration like the student pilot 90-day solo requirement

Knowledge Tests (61.35)​

  • Knowledge test are required for initial ratings
  • Powered vs unpowered:
    • If a pilot holds a powered rating (airplane, helicopter), and wants to get an unpowered category rating (glider, balloon): no knowledge test is required
    • An unpowered pilot that wants to get a powered category rating: a knowledge test is required

Prerequisites for practical tests (61.39)​

All ratings require an endorsement that:

  • the applicant has logged training within the preceding 2 calendar months
  • is prepared for the practical test
  • demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of any subject areas that were missed on the written

International instructors (61.41)​

  • Flight training time from international instructors (inside the ICAO member states) can be accepted for a US flight training requirement.

Logbooks (61.51)​

  • A logbook is not required, but you need to prove that you're current to fly and to log training time
  • Logbook entries must have:
    • Date
    • Total flight time
    • Departure airport, arrival airport, or where a simulator was located
    • Type and identification of the aircraft
    • Name of the safety pilot, if required
  • The sole manipulator of the controls can log PIC time
    • A second pilot can concurrently log PIC time if they are required for the operation of the aircraft (like a A/C that requires 2 crew members), or if the regulations require it (like a safety pilot)

Medical Deficiencies (61.53)​

  • If you know of a medical condition that would made you unable to meed the medical requirements, even if your current medical is still valid

Flight Reviews (61.56)​

  • Flight reviews are required every 24 calendar months
  • Minimum 1 hour ground training and 1 hour flight training
  • A flight review renews all category and class ratings
  • A student pilot does not need a flight review, if they are still undergoing training for a certificate and has a solo endorsement

PIC Recency Requirements (61.57)​

  • 3 takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required)
    • Night landing require must be to a full stop
    • Tailwheel airplanes require the landings to be a full stop